Our first reading today is from Hosea 8. Hosea had and interesting, and difficult, life. Much of the book of Hosea is beautiful to read. It is a call from God to return to Him. But some of it is not so pleasant. Hosea, like all the prophets, had to deliver some harsh news. Today’s reading falls into that category.
In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 9, we read about the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus. He “went around to all their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.” Jesus saw the needs of the people. “At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.”
As you probably know, sheep are not the brightest animals. And being mild grazers, they are not well equipped to fend off attacks from predators. That’s why they need a shepherd. If left to their own devices, they will wander aimlessly and easily fall prey to any who would wish to do them harm. Sound familiar? It should, because we are the same way. But thank God that we don’t have to be left to our own devices. We have a Good Shepherd who is always looking out for us!
Father, watch over us today. Keep us ever close to you, that we may not fall prey to the evil one. Amen.
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